How to become a surgeon - education for SET Trainees and SIMGs

Surgery is a challenging and rewarding career, requiring commitment, discipline and compassion. Surgical training usually takes five to six years following completion of a medical degree. This section of the site contains information for people interested in becoming a surgeon and comprehensive information for SET Trainees and SIMGs.

AU/NZ permanent resident
Specialist International Medical Graduate

Prevocational doctors

RACS provides substantial support for prevocational doctors to develop relevant competencies.

JDocs by RACS

How do I become a surgeon?

SET selection requirements, process & application

Trainees

For over 80 years the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has been recognised as the authoritative body for standards and training in surgical practice in Australia and New Zealand. Accreditation is given by the Australian Medical Council, on behalf of the Medical Board of Australia, and the Medical Council of New Zealand to conduct training and education of surgeons in each of the nine surgical specialties. The Surgical Education and Training (SET) program promotes high quality, efficient surgical education and training through early selection into specialty training - surgical Trainees are selected directly into the specialty in which they will undertake specialist surgical education and training.

Trainee association (RACSTA)

Examinations

Surgical specialties

Specialist International surgical training program

The SET program

Admission to Fellowship

Fellowship admission to college is not immediate or automatic. To support your application and ensure all requirements are met, we undertake a thorough sign-off process.

The Admission to Fellowship process